Journeys/Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro

5-Day Northern Tanzania Explorer

Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro

5 Days / 4 Nights

4.7(31)

Moderate

Presented by Tanzania Budget Safari

Overview

About this journey

This comprehensive 5-day camping safari covers all four major parks of Tanzania's northern circuit in one well-paced itinerary. Begin in Tarangire where elephant herds roam among towering baobabs, continue to Lake Manyara for tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled shores, then spend two days in the legendary Serengeti before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater for the grand finale. Four parks, five days, and countless wildlife encounters — this is the ultimate budget-friendly way to experience everything northern Tanzania has to offer.

All four northern circuit parks in five daysTarangire elephant herds and baobab forestsLake Manyara tree-climbing lionsTwo days in the SerengetiNgorongoro Crater Big Five finaleBudget camping with all meals and park fees included

Your Itinerary

Day by day

Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park. The park is famous for its giant elephant herds — often 300+ strong — and ancient baobab trees. Game drive along the Tarangire River spotting lion, leopard, buffalo, and hundreds of elephants. The park's 550+ bird species make it a birdwatcher's paradise. Camp near the park.

Accommodation

Budget camping — Tarangire area campsite

Meals

Lunch (packed), Dinner

Experiences

Transfer to TarangireFull-day game driveElephant watchingBirdwatching

Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park — explore the groundwater forest and lakeshore. Search for tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos. After lunch, depart for the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Highlands. Enter the Serengeti in the late afternoon for an evening game drive on the plains.

Accommodation

Budget camping — Serengeti public campsite

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Experiences

Lake Manyara game driveScenic highland driveEvening Serengeti game drive

A full day of game driving in the Serengeti — Africa's most iconic safari destination. Explore the Seronera Valley in the morning, then push deeper into the plains in the afternoon. The Serengeti is home to the Big Five plus cheetah, hyena, jackal, giraffe, and over 500 bird species. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration herds.

Accommodation

Budget camping — Serengeti public campsite

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Experiences

Dawn game driveSeronera Valley wildlife viewingBig cat trackingAfternoon plains drive

Final morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing for Ngorongoro. Drive across the Serengeti plains and up to the crater rim. Arrive at Simba Campsite with stunning views into the caldera. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and watch the sunset from the crater rim.

Accommodation

Budget camping — Simba Campsite, Ngorongoro

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Experiences

Morning Serengeti game driveScenic transferCrater rim sunset

Early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive on the crater floor. Search for the Big Five — black rhino, lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo — all within this 260 km² volcanic caldera. Visit Lake Magadi for flamingos and the hippo pool. Packed lunch in the crater. Ascend and drive back to Arusha, arriving late afternoon.

Accommodation

End of tour — Arusha drop-off

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch (packed)

Experiences

Dawn crater descentBig Five game driveLake Magadi flamingosReturn to Arusha

What to Expect

Included & excluded

Included

Arusha round-trip transfers
All park entry fees and crater service fee
Professional English-speaking guide
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Full-board meals (B, L, D)
Camping accommodation
Drinking water on drives

Not Included

International flights
Tanzania visa
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Beverages
Sleeping bag rental ($15)
Optional balloon safari
Personal expenses

Pricing

Investment

Group Size	Travelers	Price per Person
Solo Traveller	1-1 pax	$1,268
2 People	2-2 pax	$975
4-6 People	4-6 pax	$829

Your Guide

Meet your operator

Gosheni Safaris

Verified

Arusha, Tanzania

Award-winning safari operator based in Arusha with 15+ years of experience leading unforgettable wildlife expeditions across Tanzania.

Brand

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

What is included in the 5-Day Northern Tanzania Explorer?

The tour includes accommodation, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, park fees, and all transfers during the 5-day journey. See the "Included & Excluded" section above for full details.

How do I book the 5-Day Northern Tanzania Explorer?

Use the booking widget on this page to select your dates and group size, then submit a booking inquiry. Gosheni Safaris will confirm availability within 24 hours. Payment is processed securely through PesaPal.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 30 days before departure for a full refund. Cancellations 15-29 days before receive a 50% refund. Less than 15 days: no refund. Some operators may have specific policies that differ.

How difficult is this tour?

This tour is rated as moderate. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, but no special training is required.

Is Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro safe for tourists?

Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro is a popular and well-established safari destination. Your guide from Gosheni Safaris will be with you throughout the journey, and all activities follow established safety protocols. We recommend travel insurance for all trips.

From

$975

per person

Travel Date

Adults

Children

$975 x 2 people$1,950

2 People pricing applied

No payment is taken at this step. We confirm availability with the operator first.

Secure booking via Inspiration Africa

Free cancellation up to 30 days before

Confirmation within 24 hours